A Very Cherry Christmas 6, various artists (Cherryade)

Once again the UK record label Cherryade draws Christmas songs from its artist roster and other associated indie bands to put together its latest compilation for 2010. Otalgia kicks things off nicely with the driving "Melting Friends," and then Doris and the Jumpers offer "Christmas Morning," a number with a debt to the sound of the Velvet Underground. "Christmas Day Alone" by Ginger Tom appears to be about getting dumped on Christmas, and Nathaniel Forrester gives us a nice acoustic rocker, "My Snowman." The Pocket Gods' "Phil Spector Christmas Album" is a mostly instrumental piece with talking pieces that appear to be quotes from interviews with or about Spector, making it more social commentary than sing-along. Love The Bobby McGee's for their song title "Dogs @ Xmas (99 Presents But a Bitch Ain't One)," although the song appears to be mostly in French, which lets me out at the curb. The Momeraths do a skiffle version of "Stop the Cavalry," Curly Hair's "8 Beat" features video game synths with xylophone backing lyrics about a holiday farewell, and HT & OJ also fire up synths to demand we "Just Say 'No' To Christmas." Another good one is the acoustic rocker "Christmas Song," an original, not the Mel Torme song, led by accordion. Model Village wraps things up with "Next Xmas," a jangle-pop look to the future. In the past you've had to order from the label, but this year you can get the download from Amazon.

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